- nienhuismadison
- May 10
- 4 min read
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They are responsible for approximately 17.3 million net new jobs between 1995 and 2021, as well as employing 46.4% of the private sector workforce*. Small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S firms— 33.2 million! They contribute 43.5% GDP to the United States* and provide flexibility in all sorts of markets.
With statistics like those, supporting small businesses feels more important than ever during this economic downturn. But what are some ways you can support small businesses while staying in your budget and your value system?
Shop Small FIRST
Larger companies like Amazon are often the first place we shop for wants, needs or gifts. While it is entirely dependent upon your accessibility and capacity, we recommend checking small businesses first. It is one simple step that can redirect your money from a large corporation that won’t notice you missing to a family-owned business. Try researching small business options first, even if you still end up ordering from a big box store. The habit you’ll develop here is the most important— you will eventually find a few easy swaps that are likely more sustainable and provide a “feel good” purchase.
Wander Small
Target has always had significant foot traffic, regardless of their sales. More foot traffic = more sales. Instead of wandering a big chain store when you have time to kill, look up small businesses in the area and wander there. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, foot traffic is always welcome, and you never know what you may find!
Follow Small on Social
If spending money isn’t feasible or small businesses are few in your area, support small businesses on social media. Following small businesses you like, sharing their content, commenting on and liking what they post are all wonderful ways you can uplift small businesses. Telling friends about them is a free way to show your love and to boost your local economy.
Partner Small
Whether you’re a real estate agent, lender, or another small business owner, partnering with a small business is a great way to promote both of your businesses. Partnering up for donations, events, or sales is a wonderful tactic to relieve the financial burden of those endeavors as well as supporting one another. If you’ve got an upcoming event, consider inviting small businesses you support and watch your community grow and thrive together.
Attend Local Events
In the Denver metro area there are plenty of small business coalitions that host monthly or even weekly events, especially during the summer months. Attending these events is a great way to get out and enjoy Denver, network with people you don’t know, and support small businesses. Here are a few of our favorites in the Denver area:
Nestled in the Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, this event supports artists and small business owners alike. With live music, food trucks, art, activities, and more, this is an event you don’t want to miss. You can visit this event the first Friday of each month 5:30-9:30pm.
Another art walk filled with live demonstrations on the sidewalks, vintage vendors, live music, great restaurant options, and family friendly fun, S. Pearl Street shows up. Attend these events on the last Friday of each month from 5:00pm till dark!
More specific to supporting small business in the beautiful and unique Stanley Marketplace, this event is filled with fun, food, and music. If you’re in the Central Park area on the first Friday of the month, attend this lively event from 6:00-9:00pm.
The Tennyson Street Cultural District is located between 38th and 46th avenue, and is now filled with a collection of thriving small businesses, world class restaurants, contemporary art, tattoo and jewelry galleries, trendy fashion, and coveted music institutions. Don’t miss their monthly events on the first Friday of the month as well as their Annual Fall Fest.
Second Saturdays is Denver’s go-to event series, joining the city’s best local makers, artists, vintage curators, and creatives for live music, food & drinks, and an electric atmosphere. Located in the heart of RiNo from 12:00-6:00pm, you’re sure to enjoy yourself at this locally sourced experience.
A handmade only art festival that happens on every second Saturday of the month, this event features 70 local artisans, crafters and food trucks and other vendors. Bring the whole family— including your fur babies—and enjoy the summer 11:00am - 6:00pm.
FInal Thoughts on Supporting Small:
Supporting small businesses isn’t just a feel good endeavor—it’s vital to the health and lifeblood of our local economies. Shopping isn’t the only way to show your love to a small business. Leverage the small businesses in your area in the ways you’ve been leveraging those large corporations that don’t care if you show up. It matters!
As always, we are here if you have any digital marketing, print marketing, event, or gifting needs. Just a click away—go ahead, click here to schedule a meeting today.
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